Boltz

Harry Alex Boltz, 76, of Petrolia, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 2, 2026.

Born May 13, 1949, on the Boltz family farm near the old pump station in Frogtown, Sugarcreek Township, he was the son of the late Harry Meade Boltz and Margaret P. (McNutt) Boltz.

Though born prematurely and weighing less than three pounds at birth, Harry grew into a man of remarkable strength — standing 6’4” tall; and even greater heart. A 1967 graduate of East Brady High School, he attended the University of Cincinnati and Butler County Community College before choosing to serve his country. From August 1969 to February 1972, Harry proudly served in the U.S. Army, spending a year in Vietnam with the Signal Corps, where he achieved the rank of E5.

Harry began his career at the Petrolia plant in 1974, working for Koppers Company, later INDSPEC, and finally Occidental Petroleum, before retiring in 2011. A proud, vocal and deeply dedicated member of the United Steelworkers Union Local 13300, Harry devoted nearly three decades to improving the lives of his fellow workers. He served as guard, vice president and, ultimately, as president of the local for 17 years, guiding the union through 12 successful contract negotiations without a single work stoppage. His proudest achievement was securing health insurance coverage for retirees and their spouses — an accomplishment that continues to benefit many to this day.

Beyond his local work, Harry shared his deep knowledge and passion through the USW Leadership Development and SOAR programs, later teaching in the union’s four-year Leadership Scholarship Program, helping nurture a new generation of labor leaders.

Dedicated to his community, Harry was a member and past Master of Argyle Lodge No. 540 F&AM of Chicora, and a lifetime member of both the Parker VFW and the American Legion of Bradys Bend. With his wife, Cinda, he owned and operated the former UniMart in Petrolia for 16 years while still working full-time at the plant. He also lent his time and heart to Petrolia Borough Council and served as mayor, always striving to better his community through fairness, hard work and compassion. Harry was also a benefactor through the years of the Petrolia Borough Park.

Harry is survived by his beloved wife, Cinda Six, whom he met in 1979, and married in 1998; his children, Jana (Rob) Esplen, of Butler, and Seth (Stefanie) Boltz, of Irwin; his stepdaughters, Tracy Claypoole, of Petrolia, and Gidget (Jason) McGhee, of New Castle; grandchildren, Porschia, Dalton, Victoria, Alec Jared and Harrison; great-grandsons, Onyx and Beckett; his sisters, Elizabeth Carlson, Karen (Jim) Buzzard and Bobbi (Scott) Andreassi; and his adoring nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. He is also survived by his faithful canine companions, Birdie and Bogey.

Along with his parents, Harry was preceded in death by an infant sister, Nancy Lea; and brothers-in-law, Michael Steele and Bruce Carlson. He was also predeceased by his favorite dog, Divot.

Harry will be remembered as a man of integrity, generosity and honor — a devoted husband, father, friend, veteran and community leader. His warmth, wit and unwavering sense of fairness touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of service, laughter and love will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

BOLTZ — Family and friends of Harry Alex Boltz, who died Thursday, April 2, 2026, will be received from 3 to 7 p.m., with a Masonic service at 7 p.m., on Monday, April 6, at H. JACK BUZARD FUNERAL HOME, 201 S. Wayne St., Parker.

Funeral service and military honors for Harry will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, at Chicora Alliance Church, 310 E. Slippery Rock St., Chicora.

Interment will be at Bear Creek Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any military organization in Harry’s memory.

To view or send condolences and to send flowers and sympathy cards, visit www.buzardfuneralhomes.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.